bri j wrote:
> I just bought a 1997 Hyundai Accent (5 speed/manual trans, 136k miles)
> and it's got a few kinks (as I expected, with that many miles). I'd
> like to have a better idea of what's going on before heading to the
> mechanic, although that's coming up soon.
>
> First, third gear grinds, going in and out. There are some exceptions -
> at slower speeds you can ease it into gear, and completely letting off
> of the gas seems to make shifting smoother (no tachometer, I'm assuming
> this lowers the rpm). This only happens with third gear.
>
> Second, the first time we took the car out and drove it hard, when we
> got on the interstate, hitting 55-65 mph, there was a lot of bluish
> smoke. Haven't noticed any since that time. Doesn't seem to burn oil,
> but we haven't really been driving it enough (have had a spot of bad
> weather) to notice a minor oil leak.
>
> Third, after driving for a bit, there is usually a weird smell from the
> front/driver's side area of the engine - haven't noticed it anywhere
> else but you can't miss it, either, when you step out of the driver's
> side. I don't think it smells like oil burning but I could be wrong,
> boyfriend thought it smelled like clutch (possibly caused by the
> grinding/third gear?).
>
> I've been told that the grinding gear is a sign of bad synchronizing
> rings in the transmission - if this is true, is the only option a new
> trans or to rebuild?
>
> Any advice/help would be appreciated. Thanks!
>

Could be that the clutch is not releasing completely, causing it to
"fight" the synchros. I'd check the cable or bleed the hydraulics, as
appropriate...

nate

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